Social Security Ruling 96-8p. says that an RFC shows the individual’s maximum remaining ability to do sustained work activities in an ordinary work setting on a regular and continuing basis, and the RFC assessment must include a discussion of the individual’s abilities on that basis. A “regular and continuing basis” means 8 hours a day, for 5 days a week, or an equivalent work schedule.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average full-time female worker works 8.2 hours and male worker works 8.7 hours on an average weekday. Weekly hours worked, in January 2023, ranging from 25.8 to 46.5 hours. The average is 34.7. This points out a contradiction with what we generally accept as the standard. A 40-hour workweek seems to be an exception.